Heather Tom with her mom, Marie Tom.
The Bold and the Beautiful star Heather Tom is heartbroken over the loss of her mother, Marie Tom, who passed away on Sunday, February 4. The actress has crafted a beautiful tribute to her late mom, her staunchest supporter in her career.
“At 12:20 am Sunday morning, my brother, David [Tom, ex-Billy, The Young and the Restless], my sister, Nicholle [Tom, The Nanny], and her all but adopted son, Michael, held my beautiful mother’s hand, kissed her face and whispered ‘I love you’ as she passed from this world to the next,” Tom began an emotional Instagram post. “She was my biggest champion and my most important influence.
“My mother loved to have fun. She loved to sing and dance and cook and throw parties,” the actress continued. “She loved to drag out the silver and china and crystal and set a beautiful table, because what was the point of having nice things if you never used them?
“My mother loved to go to lunch and have a glass of champagne,” Tom added. “She loved clothes and shoes and bags and makeup and she would wear her purchases out of the store because what was the point of buying something special if you didn’t enjoy it?
“My mother loved a big city- first Chicago then, New York,” the loving daughter wrote. “She loved getting dolled up for the theater and going to the Emmys and cheering on her children because what was the use of working hard if you didn’t relish it?
“My mother was an artist who loved to paint and draw and decorate. Her Christmas tree was epic!” Tom shared. “She used her art and puppet shows, gardening, and THREE masters degrees to help countless students communicate.
“She loved toy poodles and Mexican food, margaritas, and Elvis Presley. She had her heart broken, but picked herself up,” the actress said. “She was a good friend and a mother to many more than just the three of us. My mother showed us that hardship wasn’t something to fear — it was just another adventure. Dream big, take risks. Our biggest adventure was when she packed us all up and moved to LA. For our sake, she became a single mother. For our sake, she risked her security, however unhappy it was, and her risk was our reward.
“Whatever talent we have is hers. Whatever drive we have is hers,” Tom said. “I will miss her every day, but when I look into my son’s eyes I’ll see her looking back at me because his eyes are hers. I am so grateful to have had my hand on her heart when she took her last breath, and I will feel her hand on my heart until I take mine. I love you, mama. Enjoy your peace. You deserve it.”
At press time, a cause of death had not been disclosed. Tom’s daytime pals, including Ashley Jones (Bridget) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R), shared condolence messages on her post. “I have so many clear memories of your mom standing beside you at the Emmys, on the set, and at parties!”
Lauralee Bell (Christine, Y&R) wrote. “You were such a team. Both happy and proud to be with one another! I’m so sorry for your loss! She will always be right by your side! Sending love ❤️.”
Soap Hub joins Tom’s soap opera friends in sending her and her family sincere condolences at this difficult time.
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